Sources of Strength

 

Shenandoah High School first implemented the Sources of Strength Suicide Prevention model in the Fall of 2020 following a strong of losses to our community. While focusing on suicide prevention, SOS is so much more than traditional suicide prevention because it focuses on strengths that are present in all students' lives. Turning the traditional practice of identifying risk factors and warning signs on its head, Sources of Strength focuses on developing protective factors, using a model that is innovative, interactive, and radically strength-based. Using an active learning model, incorporating art, storytelling, small group sharing and games, Sources of Strength explores the eight protective factors, depicted in the wheel of strength, to develop resilient individuals and communities.

 

The Sources of Strength model is based upon a close partnership between adults volunteers from the local community (called "Adult Advisors") and student leaders (called "Peer Leaders") who have been selected from the student body to represent their peers. Pear Leaders and Adult Advisors cooperate to implement school-wide strategic messaging campaigns that focus on stories of strength rather than stories of sadness. Students are encouraged to acknowledge when they are struggling with big emotions (Anger, Anxiety, and Sadness) but are taught to redirect their efforts on building strength and resiliency by spreading a message of Hope, Help, and Strength.

 

We encourage you to follow us on social media at:

 

Instagram: sourcesofstrengthshs

Twitter (X): sos@shs

During the month of April the Peer Leaders of Sources of Strength are focusing on Healthy Activities. Whenever we are struggling with a strong emotion such as anger, anxiety or sadness it helps to have an outlet. A Health Activity could be anything that engages your entire being and helps lift your mood. During this campaign we plan to highlight the healthy activities of our students with the hope that all students find at least one activity they can engage in. To help with that SOS has compiled a list of Home events this Spring at Shenandoah High School.